METROPOLIS, IL — Big changes are coming to how electric bikes, e-scooters, and high-powered “e-motos” are regulated across the state of Illinois.
Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse recently shared an important update on Facebook regarding Senate Bill 3484, sweeping state legislation signed into law that establishes strict new rules for electric mobility devices.
While the new law takes effect on January 1, 2027, local law enforcement is giving parents, schools, and riders plenty of advance notice to get familiar with the upcoming rules.
Chief Harry Masse’s Statement
In a public statement shared on social media, Chief Masse highlighted what local residents in Metropolis and Massac County need to know ahead of the 2027 implementation:
“NEW E-BIKE & SCOOTER RULES COMING TO ILLINOIS
We want to give you plenty of heads-up about a major change to Illinois traffic laws. The state has just passed Senate Bill 3484, which creates strict new rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, and high-powered “e-motos.”
These laws take effect on January 1, 2027, giving our community, schools, and riders time to adjust. Here is what you need to know:
THE SIDEWALK BAN: To protect pedestrians, ALL electric bikes and scooters are now strictly banned from sidewalks.
HIGH-SPEED DEVICES (E-Motos): Any device with a motor over 750W or capable of going over 28 mph is no longer a bicycle. It is legally a motor-driven cycle. Riders MUST have a driver’s license/permit, liability insurance, and license plates. They are banned from bike lanes and trails.
STANDARD E-BIKES:
You must be at least 15 years old to ride a Class 1 or 2 e-bike.
You must be at least 16 to ride a Class 3 (up to 28 mph).
Riders under 18 cannot carry passengers unless they are immediate family.
E-SCOOTERS & HOVERBOARDS: Riders must be 16+ and stay on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or under.
Enforcement: Violations can result in traffic tickets, standard DUI charges for riding intoxicated, and the impoundment of the electric device.”
WMOK Coffee Break Discussion
Chief Masse recently joined us in studio on the WMOK Coffee Break program to break down why these state-level changes are happening and what they mean for safety on our local streets, sidewalks, and neighborhood blocks.
“Listen below to the discussion from our recent WMOK Coffee Break segment with Chief Harry Masse as we dive into Senate Bill 3484…”
Key Takeaways for Massac County Families
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Sidewalk Safety First: All electric bikes and scooters must stay off public sidewalks statewide to keep pedestrians safe.
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Age Limits Matter:
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Riders must be at least 15 for Class 1 & 2 e-bikes.
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Riders must be at least 16 for Class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards.
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No Passenger Rides Under 18: Teen riders under 18 cannot carry friends as passengers unless they are immediate family members.
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High-Powered E-Motos Are Motor Vehicles: Any device over 750W or exceeding 28 mph will require a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and liability insurance.
Stay tuned to WMOK 920AM on your radio and streaming worldwide at 920wmok.com .
